My GF is about to go back to Houston and I want to send her off with a pistol. I'm thinking about directing her toward an M&P9C because we can share magazines. I'm leaning towards a compact because she will conceal/carry. What do most women need in a pistol aside from something that fits in their hand? I can't imagine its much different from a man's needs which are reliability, and a gun that's good for executions.

I'd say make sure whatever it is, she is comfortable shooting it and is able (and willing) to shoot it well. It's just like with racing a car, dependable safe equipment is required, but other then that the effectiveness if the tool is largely and primarily based on the user, you can go out and buy a new Porsche GT2, but if you suck at using it and end up wrapping it around a tree your gonna get passed by the guy driving a 20 y/o girl car.
At Parris Island, they have the recruits "dry fire" their rifles thousands of times (according to my lil bro who going through shooting week now). This is so they don't flinch when the rifle goes off, greatly improving accuracy. I would say she should do a lot of that, it sounds silly but it works, especially if she is at all gun shy. I also like the idea of a "laser", that way she doesn't have to really aim the gun if her life depends on it. Does she panic behind the wheel?

Those came in the mail today. They're worse than I figured they'd be. Might build something from them or just sell them for a few bucks less than I paid. Ejection Port cover is too tight and flexes when closing. Catch for cover rests directly against the Poly frame, so it will wear out. The edges are completely rough and need fine honing and filing.

Might've found a DIRT cheap complete upper already built for about the price of a good barrel... Details to follow pending an email from the company about weight.

I figured the poly upper would've been a LOT lighter, but it would appear that isn't the case. 2.8 ounces isn't even worth messing with weight wise, however the savings was nice I found an even better deal on a complete assembled carbine upper.

The upper I've selected has the same forge markings as a Colt, a chrome lined barrel, is super inexpensive, and commonly used by an armorer friend of mine who builds military grade rifles. While I understand some people do have problems with the composite lowers I've yet to experience one or know someone who has first hand experience with failures. Considering the fact that I'm not building a battle rifle to take into combat, it'll be plenty reliable so I'm much more concerned about weight. Don't forget, I do plan to abuse this thing badly to see what it'll take. Bore snake and an oiled patch is the absolute most it'll get, likely ever.

Without optics, sights, or the skeleton stock I'll have $385.00 in a complete AR15 rifle that goes bang.

Today was like Christmas:

Got 10 Brownells M4 magazines for $5.00 each, and a Primary Arms M4 red dot for $60.00. The upper I've selected has a standard front sight so I'm either going to buy a flip up rear or some sort of fixed rear to use with the red dot.

My DPMS heavy barrel scoped AR is 14 pounds even with a composite lower. No, it's not that difficult to carry but try firing it from a standing position unsupported. It's a bench or stand rifle, not something I can carry and fire easily all day from a standing position. The Colt is 8 pounds which is a lot easier, but I want something even lighter. Uhm, I'm not exactly a weak individual when it comes to upper body strength either, beer gut or not.